by JR Cook - 11 years ago     show comments

Along with with class balance changes, new scenarios and a multitude of other features, World of Warcraft’s Escalation patch is bringing with it some updates to dungeons, raids and loot. While a lot of the changes are aimed towards getting people gear, there are some thoughtful updates which should improve the quality of life for a large percentage of players, Mists of Pandaria and beyond. The more relevant changes include the ability to roll on off-spec loot, an upgrade to Bonus Rolls and a decreased level requirement to enter select dungeons.

OFF-SPEC LOOT

Hybrid classes, rejoice! Tomorrow’s patch brings with it the option to roll on off-spec loot. This means that Paladins, Druids, Warriors, Priests, Shamans, Monks and Death Knights will have the ability to enter LFRs and do their thing while trying to obtain gear for their other specializations. Yes, the other classes can technically get in on this too, but what’s a Rogue going to do? Try and find a more subtle dagger?

This change will make transitioning between roles a lot more appealing for classes with more than one calling card. The process is simple. Right click on your portrait, click on the new ‘Loot Specialization’ menu, decide what you want to roll for and get raiding. Unsurprisingly, selecting default will have you rolling for your primary specialization. 5.3 might not make you a good tank, Mr. Retribution Paladin, but it can at least help you get the gear to try.

BONUS ROLLS

The list of things more maddening than spending four straight charms only to receive loot bags is short. It’s like, infomercials, screaming children.. there’s not a whole lot of other stuff that’s more infuriating. Blizzard has heard our plight however and passed judgment. Starting tomorrow, each bonus roll that does not result in a purple sitting in your inventory will increase the chance that subsequent bonus rolls do the job. At present, there are no actual numbers for how this is going to work. It could be a five percent chance, it could be a twenty percent chance. Regardless, it’s better than nothing.

Additionally, Bonus Rolls, Treasures of the Thunder King, Amber Encased Treasure Pouch, Cache of Mogu Riches, and Dividends of the Everlasting Spring have a ‘small’ chance to award more gold than usual. Again, we’re not sure on chances, or even how much more gold we can expect, but hey, no one’s complaining about a chance to get more gold.

DUNGEONS

The grind to the level cap is fraught with peril, and also the same couple of dungeons over and over at specific brackets. Unfortunately, Blizzard is not tackling the gauntlet that is the 45 to 58 bracket. They are however changing up some Burning Crusade, Cataclysm and Mists of Pandaria dungeons, as far as when we can access them. Both Magisters’ Terrace and the Mechanar will be available at 68, as opposed to 70, and Grim Batol, as well as the Lost City of Tol’vir will be unlocked at 84, previously unable to be run until at least 85. This change should mean that more people will see the content, and that’s always a plus. Mists of Pandaria dungeon Gate of the Setting Sun will  also be changing up, available to less hearty adventurers at 89 in a normal mode.

Be sure to enjoy all the content 5.3 has to offer when it goes live tomorrow. Curious to know more about what’s coming? Check out Blizzard’s patch notes. Missed any on our other 5.3 Previews? Check out our preview of Scenarios, PvP and Quest Campaigns here, as well as our look at the winners and the losers of 5.3 class balance changes here!